Setting foot on the land of Hokolin again, Helen felt the difference. Sky Island, like Shimmer Forest, is close to the border of Order, but Heather chose to cover it with forest, and the tower guarded it with astrology under the guidance of Otto. The latter retains gaps, so the air here is filled with an almost magical component.
Her adoptive father greeted her personally and handed a handful of fruit to Helen's attendant. "A gift from the city lord," he said.
"I never knew you were also the city lord, Jerem."
"Temporary appointment. The Destiny Assembly will send someone to take over Huoklin, and most of them will be from the Stewart family."
Helen knew about the family of astrologers in this mysterious realm. Among the Destiny Gatherings was the "Deep Space Patriarch" Terrence Stewart. His appearance brought the family behind him to great success and became one of the sources of manpower for the Affairs Department.
Of course, the Stewart family is far inferior to the old families in the tower. Their biggest supporter does not pay much attention to worldly affairs, which is completely opposite to the chief "Storm Songer". However, compared to those fledgling newcomers, a noble birth is more conducive to managing mortals. Sky Island Huoklin has just experienced a demon hunting war and is in urgent need of stabilizing the situation.
"The new city lord is not traveling with me." Helen told her adoptive father, "My traveling companions are all members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." She glanced behind her and found that the attendant lady had begun to nibble on the peach, and the juice was flowing down her arm. "Hey, Roma, what's wrong with you?" The witch couldn't help but smile, "In the tower, you are not even interested in taking a look at the fruit."
The little lion made a face and kept twisting its jaw.
"This is the fruit I planted." Jerem rubbed her blond hair, "Come on, we have to sit down and rest. We are really tired these days."
After hearing this, except for Roma, the members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who came with them hurriedly left. Helen knew that they were not here to rest. After the last batch of combatants returned to the headquarters, the Green Envoy sent new people to take shifts to consolidate the tower's rule over Huoklin.
Agatha Poirot received these people. The detective girl from Bloomnott was one of the few remaining members. Even when she returned to the headquarters with Roma and others, Agatha did not accompany her. "There is a mystery that is about to be revealed, Your Excellency," she said to Helen. "This matter is related to the lives of local people and the internal security of Hokolin. It must be solved." Now it is time to solve the mystery.
"Your Excellency." The detective lady came over again, "My previous suggestion..."
Helen interrupted her: "I have thought about it. But before I answer you, Agatha, I am still confused and need your answer. It is rumored that you received the support of the Prophet before graduation, and you found out in the astronomy room Demon. Is this real?”
"Half truth and half lie, Your Excellency. My first mentor accidentally exposed the mystery outside of his profession. Although he explained that he learned it through magic writing, I only heard a few days ago that he was troubled by the limitations of his professional abilities. .”
"It is indeed suspicious, but it cannot be used as evidence."
"So I quietly informed a clergyman and invited him to the restaurant. My poor mentor was next door."
The fire trial is conducted every year, the detection station will only cover the Floating Cloud City, and the magic base is open 24 hours a day. No matter what means the astrologer used to avoid detection, it was impossible to react to the sudden divine magic. Helen stared at the water for a few seconds, peering into the scene from that time, and the demon's panic showed on her face.
"Honestly, I was afraid of this." The detective shuddered, "I was too young at that time, and I actually made things impossible to end. Later, I was waiting for the results of the punishment at the Public Security Bureau..." Investigating and dealing with demons is not easy. "But an envoy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came and told me that the Prophet had given me protection."
"There is a mystery here too. How could a demon sneak into the astronomy room? Do you know why?"
"It's all luck." Agatha whispered. "Before being discovered by the detection station, he came into contact with a demon society, and the other party used demonic means to disguise his fire. Of course, this little scam could not be hidden from God. Technological detection.”
If he appeared in front of any great astrologer, he would not be able to escape the reckoning. This can only be attributed to the person's luck. Unfortunately, he never expected that his apprentice would notice the problem. Helen sincerely lamented that Agatha was more suitable to be a police detective than an astrologer.
"Dean Rubin gave you a favor too?"
"The Vice Minister commended me for my achievements as required. Your Excellency, I don't have much contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." The detective shrugged, "I am from the Affairs Department."
Born as a descendant of the "Victor" and the daughter of the former leader, Helen didn't know much about the division of powers within the tower. When she became the "Witch of Destiny", all kinds of affairs disappeared from her life. She suddenly discovered that under the care of her mentor, she didn't even understand anyone or anything except the Destiny Gathering. I'm really living in a muddle.
"What do you think, sir?"
"There's nothing wrong with me. The main thing is Jerem. We captured the prisoner together, so we should always ask his opinion. It's the right time to speak now."
Roma emerged from under the "gatekeeper's" hand. "Prisoner! Where is she?"
"It's not a solitary room anyway." Helen snorted.
Jerem frowned: "Devil Princess Uilosnis, what does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs use her for?"
"Perhaps someone will come to rescue her, Your Excellency." Agatha pointed out, "But I am only giving suggestions, and the real plan is formulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These things are all to deal with the issues left by Hokolin."
"Bansi Banshee." Helen had almost forgotten them. This group of ghosts dispersed after their leader was captured, and eventually disappeared together with the Black Knight's undead army. "You can use fire to destroy the people of the night, haven't you done that?"
The answer is obviously impossible. "The corpses were burned together and the battlefield was cleaned. The gatekeeper can testify." The detective replied, "But the Bansi Banshee is haunting the streets, the detection station was invaded, and Helen was also attacked. There are many doubts here. , His Excellency the Ambassador of Qing hopes that I can give an explanation."
Roma spit out the peach core: "Is that...oh!" She blinked.
The witch felt that there was something in their words, but Jerim agreed happily. "Very well. I'll leave it to you, little girl." He looked at the detective. "Some things have to be handled by professionals. Maybe we should have done so." He paused worriedly for a moment. "I hope you remember your promise today."
Back in the garden, Helen sent Roma to dig mushrooms under a tree. The little lion plunged into the fallen leaves, and in a blink of an eye he couldn't find his shadow.
The room was silent, with a garden on one side and an empty staircase outside the window. There is a portrait of Helen's mother on the desk. Smoke curled up from two cups of hot tea.
She had no intention of drinking tea. "Let Agatha investigate the assassin? She will only die in vain."
"I thought you knew why."
"The prophet asked me to use her ability." Helen said unhappily. "You will reveal the information to the detective and use her to find the assassin. If you ask me, this person is indeed keen, but death can conceal the truth. If anyone knows She started..."
"...I will run into your trap. Okay, don't explain, I saw your little move. It's nothing."
"Since you can see it, why don't you refuse for me?" the witch asked angrily, "The trap is better than nothing! God, you will kill her."
But the adoptive father didn't care. "This is a necessary risk, Helen. We can't sit still and wait for death." Jerem picked up the tea cup, "I'm not an astrologer, but I guess the prophet has foreseen this day and will support an unknown apprentice. She must do this. , we need her eyes."
Helen said nothing.
"Well, Dorothea, you know this world is not always a fairy tale. You asked Agatha, don't you still understand?"
"I just want to know at what price the prophet paid for her to take risks." Helen had done similar things by using prophecies to win over helpers, but when the beneficiary became herself, she could not avoid feeling guilty.
"Only the parties involved can measure the value. Our opinions are meaningless. If she doesn't want to do this, just refuse it in person. You also heard her reply." Jerem reminded her. "We are in troubled times right now, Helen. You should take responsibility and think about something more useful." The witch looked at him in surprise. "Tell me, what's going to happen to me again?"
"It has something to do with Roma." It turns out that you all can see clearly, except for my mind. She knew her entanglement was fruitless. "This child, she desperately wants to become a high-level ringer and participate in the demon hunting movement."
Devour
"I'm afraid you might dampen her enthusiasm."
"That's crazy! Both Larsen and I avoid war, but she actually wants to participate." Helen declared categorically: "I will never allow it."
Jerem laughed. "What a young and energetic newcomer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." The pillar of fog in front of his nose trembled. "Okay, Helen, this kind of thing must be enlightened slowly, force will not work. You can't stop her from making progress, right?"
"That's the problem. I actually support her in accumulating magic power and getting closer to Gao Huan." Tight protection is far less powerful than oneself.
"what is the problem?"
"Profession," Helen told him, "Roma is a Windrunner."
"There are a lot of popular people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they won't all be out in the field. What's the reason why you come to me over the distance?"
"Roma's inauguration took place outside the tower." Helen told the details of the Red Prophecy. "When I heard it, I knew it was one of the ancient inheritances of the forest, which is very different from modern professions! Heather's service..."
"Where's her mentor? Don't say she started the fire by herself."
"I told Roma that he is now involved in a demon hunting movement somewhere and cannot escape for the time being." Helen said hesitantly, "But there is no reflection of his fate in the starry sky. I think he is dead."
The gatekeeper was silent for some time. "In other words, Roma is now the only inaugurated member of a certain ancient lineage of Heather?"
"That's it."
"This is complicated." The adoptive father put down the teacup. "Gaohuan is just the accumulation of magic power, but someone must guide you on the subsequent path." He rubbed the handle of the cup. "Even Gao Huan has shortcuts. She only needs to be taught how to practice professional magic... However, these things were lost when her mentor died. I'm afraid she has to explore on her own. What is Roma's level of mysticism?"
"Very bad." The witch commented impartially. "All the apprentices of the White Envoy are better than her. In my opinion, this brat has never focused on studying. She is not the material." This is where the worry started. Come. "To make up for the foundation now, it will take three or four years. This is just Gaohuan..."
The other party was not as anxious as she was, as if losing her inheritance was just a minor concern.
"It doesn't matter, Helen. It takes three or four years to transfer from a job to a high level? It's fast enough. If it weren't for the Fulcrum members, many mysterious creatures would have to wait until the end of their lives to accumulate enough magic power. Elemental creatures - such as Sita - have to It will take hundreds of years." Jerem waved his hand. "Let her take her time. The Sky Realm is the key."
"I think it's just the opposite." Helen frowned. The Sky Realm needs to cross the path of death, which is far more difficult than lighting the fire in the first place, and few people succeed. When she was favored by fate and became the "Witch of Destiny", it was inevitable that she relied on a bit of luck. Nothing is permanent. If she had to start over, there is no guarantee that she would be successful again.
Jerem often told her about his mother. When he was just a teenager, the prophet personally raised Dorothea, watched her marry Sinclair, the Gray Messenger, have children, and eventually grow old. Jerem was one of her apprentices, but he surpassed his mentor and crossed the path of death. To the Seers and Gatekeepers, the life of a mysterious creature of the Circle is not much longer than that of a mortal, so the Fate Gathering is all made up of the Sky Realm.
In this case, it may not matter how far Roma's mysterious path goes. Helen thought carefully and realized that what she was really worried about was that she didn't know how to explain it to her. Regarding her career and the news of Teacher Roma's death, she could not tell the little lion anything. My instinct is to put it off, as if the problem will resolve itself over time.
"Let her find it." Jerem calmed her down, "Don't you often say that people have to change their destiny on their own? Roma is exactly this kind of person. She will succeed."
Helen wished she had the confidence in the proverb. "I've been having so many troubles lately that I can hardly calm down and think." She picked up the teacup and forced herself to calm down. "I had no choice but to hide here with you, Jerem. The world is in complete chaos."
"Are you referring to Buress?"
"Evangelin didn't come back." The Order of Steel and Fire destroyed the Ladder. The devil actually has such methods! Just thinking about all the possibilities made Helen uneasy.
"What's going on?" The gatekeeper became serious, "This is not in line with the prophet's plan."
"Sita put the blame on the Holy Radiance Council, making people think that this was the aftermath of Alini's betrayal. But in fact." She paused, "Larsen told me that it was the Silence School's problem. They...hell , ‘Second Truth’ Wants an Observation Deck.”
"We cannot meet his conditions," the gatekeeper said without thinking.
It is clear to the entire Destiny Gathering that the observation deck is an indispensable secret to the astronomy room, and even the Star Gap requires its cooperation for positioning. If the Silent School wants an observation deck, they may have to exchange it for the "Aether Abyss".
"Equally, I understand that Bernard Stirling is not a man to turn down easily."
Helen met his eyes. "The Prophet will not let wizards do whatever they want."
"But he was beyond reach at the time, right?" The gatekeeper sighed, "No need to test me, Helen, I know he left the headquarters. That's all." He coughed. "Only Larsen and I know. The Destiny Gathering doesn't know the departure time either."
"You hid it from me!" Even though she had expected it, it was still difficult for the witch to accept the fact. "Sir Otto, the damn assassin hasn't been caught yet! Why don't you tell me the truth? What if I return to the headquarters..."
"You don't know the inside story, Helen. We have already speculated on this person's identity. After all, as an enemy of the 'winner', able to cover up traces, and with a degree of mystery that is high or low in the air realm... the candidates who meet the conditions are fixed. "
"Lord of the Undead." She said the name.
"He was a Templar Knight during his lifetime, that is, the Knight of Silver Song who guards the Mercury Temple." My ancestor was the leader of the Knights of Silver Song... "Perhaps due to some mysterious item or demonic means, we cannot lock his identity. But when the Black Knight shows up in Hokolin, you’ll be safe back at headquarters.”
"Gatekeeper" Jerome picked up the teapot and filled it for her. Helen thought of her girlhood. Whenever she felt unwell, she would take leave and go back to the garden of Abroz, and Jerem would always prepare hot drinks early.
The warm mist softened her anger at him. Helen leaned on the sofa cushions and curled up her feet glumly. "You have already made plans. You would rather use sweet words than tell me the truth. I am the 'Witch of Destiny' in the tower, not Roma!"
"We want to protect you. Even if you are already strong, your original intention will not change."
"Maybe you have your reasons." She could no longer complain, "But this won't happen again."
"There is no need to mention the past. The observation deck was taken away. How did you get here? By boat?"
"It's not that bad." Helen told him, "The Lord Commander stopped the 'Second Truth'. Larsen said that he destroyed most of the facilities of the observation deck in front of him, and the saint's witchcraft could not restore it." She changed her position. "After the astronomical room is repaired, the Star Gap can be used as usual. Overall, we have not suffered much loss."
"I can tell." Jerem breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, is this why you have nothing to do, so you come to trouble me?"
"Roma's problem is the main purpose."
The adoptive father snorted. "Forget it, luckily Abrouz is fine, otherwise you would have had to sweep the steps together."
Nothing? "The prisoner. Uilosnis. Did she reveal anything?"
"It's difficult to use ordinary methods on ghosts." Jerem frowned when he mentioned her, as if the Demon Princess was a piece of rotten meat that happened to be hanging in front of his nose. Helen can totally relate. "She knew everything. It's a pity that we can't judge the truth or falsehood."
"In my opinion, it would be best to kill her."
"Hoklin's crisis is over, and we no longer need prisoners." Jerem said, "But she is still valuable and must be used before execution. Look, isn't this useful?"
It was Detective Agatha who used her. Helen believed that the prophet and Jerem would not let the Demon Princess escape. In fact, this crazy woman didn't even think about escaping, as if there was nothing we could do to her! Regardless, this type of behavior makes them less confident.
She frowned and drank the tea. The heat flowed into her stomach, causing a damp throbbing. Helen shivered. "I thought you thought the assassin was the Black Knight."
"Confirmation? No. So far, we have no basis. Everything is speculation. Once there is any deviation from the truth, your situation will be very dangerous. Helen, I never want you to take risks." The gatekeeper clenched his fingers into a fist. The facial muscles are tight. "It just so happened that Agatha discovered a new clue..."
If the Black Knight is what the ghost says, we will learn nothing, Helen thought. The Undead Lord would never send anyone to rescue Uilosnis because she was not a Nameless One. The witch has an indescribable intuition, which must be a keen feeling brought by her profession. Ever since she learned about her mentor's plan, it has conveyed her uneasiness.
"What if, I mean, what if, there's another assassin? Who could it be?"
The gatekeeper stared at her without answering.
…
"Is this your result?" Agatha flipped through the interrogation records and a signed confession. She was dumbfounded: "Which genius interrogator asked me whether he admitted to breaking a basket of eggs? Do you think there is a pickpocket inside?"
The warden was in a difficult position. "We are short of manpower here, sir. We cannot interrogate specifically, so we have to follow the rules." He rubbed the soles of his feet in embarrassment. "Some, some of the issues were indeed mistakes."
"What about the other felon? She came early. I specifically asked you."
"There is no problem with this one!" the warden said immediately, "According to your instructions, I will interrogate you personally and tell the other party that the investigation will be completed in a few days. All relevant questions are your version."
Finally the work was not in vain. "Where are the records?"
The warden handed it over diligently, but Agatha put it aside. "Very good, I'll count it on you." I'll count you on escaping. "His Excellency, the Deputy Minister, has sent many people, and I will arrange personnel transfers to supplement the positions." She grabbed the keychain on the table, "Soon you won't have to work overtime."
"My pleasure, my lord! My work has made me valuable!"
You should be thanking me, fool. Agatha thought. Working overtime is of no value and can only shorten your life.
As she came out of the corridor, she ran into Ennod Pike, the Eagle Man. He smiled at her, but the detective felt no kindness from him.
"I hate my profession," Agatha murmured softly. "It makes me as sensitive as a bush."
"Ma'am." Pike greeted, "I heard that you are going back to the headquarters? We are going to give you a ride."
"I wish for it. It's not very safe in the country recently. If I return to Brumnot as soon as possible, I can meet those low-level bastards who only know how to rob, rape, and steal. What else are you dissatisfied about?"
"Sounds great. I'll get used to it."
"You?" Agatha couldn't help but look at him. What does this mean?
"I want to stay in Huoklin and take over the position of garrison here. Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Qing, wants me to return to the headquarters to accept his letter of appointment." This man actually got promoted.
She began to consider why. The vassal country needed new garrisoners, so they chose Pike? Or is the Qing Envoy planning to cooperate with the "Gatekeeper"? In any case, the commander-in-chief will not sit idly by and this may mean a power struggle in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Only a fool would wade into this muddy water, I had to find a way to hide. "Congratulations." Agatha forced a smile.
"When will you set off, ma'am?"
"Solve the matter at hand, I'll leave immediately." I hope you flap your wings and fly back.
"Go back to the headquarters and become a police detective, oh." Ennod Pike shook his head, "I know this is suitable for you." He looked at her sympathetically, his tone as if the two had known each other for many years. Agatha couldn't help but be wary.
"Sir Johnny takes great care of me," she responded thoughtfully. What's your purpose, Pike? Or is your boss a better detective than Johnny?
"But, if you ask me, Agatha, it's quite an understatement. Don't you think? The great detective who once caught the devil becomes a street vigilante. What a pity! What a waste!"
Agatha almost lost her breath. She glared at the guy, speechless. Doesn’t everyone want to bring up the past? Think it's an honor? She would rather not have this happen. Damn eagle-headed fool, do you think you are also the "Witch of Destiny"?
She suppressed her emotions. She finally swallowed these words! Now all we have to do is wait for the other party to take the initiative to show off their cards.
"I have to say, Ms. Agatha, Blumnot is a good place, with good sunshine and good wind, suitable for anyone to stop, especially the elderly - physically fragile and even more fragile mentally. You know, when people get here At such a young age, everything you look at makes you sad! It’s impossible to stay there for a long time.”
"In your opinion, what should we do?"
Pike took a few steps closer and lowered his voice: "I have a quota."
"What?" Agatha pretended not to hear clearly.
"Team quota." Eagle Man smiled, "Do you want me to tell you the truth? Mr. Rubin's law enforcement team. You must know the inside story, right?"
"Just think I know nothing." The detective sighed and waved his hand: "It's not a big deal, Pike. No matter how many places there are, it won't be my turn anyway. There will definitely be restrictions on the gathering."
"Restrictions? We established the team just to restrict them!" Pike put away his smile, "This matter is not up to them."
What's going on? Team? limit? Agatha's heart was beating fast and her imagination was active.
"All you have to do is nod your head to get out of this mess in the Secretariat. I advise you to think carefully, ma'am."
Just wait for this sentence! "I'll think about it." The detective wanted to get rid of this guy immediately. Regarding the team mentioned by Ennod, she already had a vague answer in her mind.
"A lot of that goes to you, ma'am, so don't underestimate yourself. In the future, people will be grateful for your contribution."
"I?"
Ennod Pike didn't answer and asked: "How is your review of the locals?"
Now, what else doesn’t Agatha understand? So that’s it. I was born at the wrong time. "The Destiny Assembly is paying attention to my progress?"
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to follow up. What do you say?"
A wild imagination is becoming reality. "It's coming to an end." The detective said softly, "Your Excellency the Witch and Your Excellency the Gatekeeper have been very helpful. This matter depends entirely on their support."
Pike was also very nervous: "Is it over? What exactly is the detection station...?"
"Not yet. Please wait patiently. In any case, the ending will be in these two days." The Demon Princess has been transferred to Huoklin. "Please be patient."
"Of course. Oh. Of course."
After the Eagle Man left, the detective hid in the tea room to calm down his shock. She squeezed the report. Although the truth was close before her eyes, she only felt that danger would come first. Dean Rubin proposes to the Destiny Assembly an internal law enforcement team whose survival depends on her plan.
Agatha stuffed the report into the trash can.
"Let me see inside you," she said. "A detective is never afraid of the truth."
